The Oscars sends A-list actresses into a spin every year, as they're forced to pick from the dozens of beautiful dresses sent to them by designers, pluck from treasure chests of bling and make the potentially career-defining decision - up or down? - as their makeup, handbags, jewellery and hair are also forensically scrutinised by the world's fashion police.

Last night's red carpet stunners included The Help duo Octavia Spencer and Viola Davis who, despite being relative newcomers to the red carpet scene, have had lots of practice this season with all the attention their Deep South drama has enjoyed.

Red carpet regular Angelina Jolie got her look spot on, keeping it simple in black but sending the cameras into a frenzy after showing a bit of leg, a pose that was mocked mercilessly by the Oscar-winning screenwriters of The Descendants when they arrived on stage to collect their gongs.